The 30-year-old Nakajima joins the Athletics following a lengthy career with
the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League, where he was a three-time Gold
Glove winner and an eight-time All-Star with a .302 lifetime batting
average over 11 seasons.

Last year, Nakajima hit .311 with 13 homers and 74 RBI in 136 games for the
Lions.

To clear room on the 40-man roster, the Athletics traded outfielder Collin
Cowgill to the New York Mets in exchange for minor league third baseman Jefry
Marte.

Cowgill batted .269 with one homer and nine RBI in 38 games over three stints
with Oakland last season.